Conveyor

ABSTRACT

A conveyor includes a driving member and a chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links. Each of the links includes a platform adapted to support a load in cantilever manner.

United States Patent Brackmann et a1,

[451 Feb. 26, 1974 CONVEYOR Inventors: Warren A. Brackmann, Cooksville;

Daniel Di lanni, Toronto, Ontario, both of Canada Assignee: Rothmans of Pall Mall Canada Limited, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Filed: Jan. 31, 1972 Appl. No.: 222,062

Related U.S. Application Data Continuation of Ser. No. 27,957, April 13, 1970, abandoned.

U.S. Cl. 198/136 Int. Cl. B65g 15/00 Field of Search 198/136, 181

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,348,659 10/1967 Roinestad 198/136 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 150,781 10/1950 Australia 198/181 698,360 10/1940 Germany 198/136 Primary ExaminerRichard E. Aegerter Assistant Examiner-Douglas D. Watts [57] ABSTRACT A conveyor includes a driving member and a chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links. Each of the links includes a platform adapted to support a load in cantilever manner.

12 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED FEB 2 6 I974 sum 2 OF 2 CONVEYOR This application is a continuation of US. Pat. application Ser. No. 27,957 filed Apr. 13, 1970 now abandoned.

This invention relates to conveyor chains and links for the chains.

Platform-type conveyor chains are known. Such chains include a plurality of articulated links, each link having a platform and a support portion located underneath said platform and about the midpoint of the lateral width of the platform. Pivot pins associated with such support portions serve to pivotally connect adjacent links to eachother about an axis parallel to the plane of the platform and transverse of the chain. Drive is imparted to such chain through the support portions.

This known type of platform or flat-top conveyor face of the platform type. This may lead to limitations in the use of this type of chain. A fiat surface could be simulated by providing a platform associated with each chain is widely used in bottling and food processing ticles and packages in other industries. Exemplary of such conveyor chains are those described in US. Pat. No. 1,966,659 issued July 17, 1934 to R. J. Wynne et al; 2,564,533 issued Aug. 14, 1951 to PJ. Imse; and 2,911,091 issued Nov. 3, 1959 to P. J. Imse.

Where stations are provided at vertically spaced locations, articles transported by the known type of platform conveyor,referred to above,generally have to be conveyed in other manners through the vertical height separating the stations. Thus, if the station to which the articles are to be transported is located at a lower level from the station delivering the articles to the conveyor chain, then a chute could be provided. Such a gravity operated device could lead to damage to the articles concerned.

Conveyors have been proposed including chains capable of being driven in a curvilinear path while in a substantially horizontal plane. Such chains are driven by a curved surface, such as an upright drum. Generally, two such drums are provided in horizontally spaced arrangement and an endless chain is arranged about the drums in helices. Such conveyor chains require a supporting track on which the chain runs. Such track may be in fixed location external of the drums.

This type of conveyor is used to provide a long length of endless conveyor in a relatively small space. In freezing, cooling or heating rooms a relatively long conveyor may retain articles to be brought to a requisite temperature in a single conveying cycle. They are also used as high capacity storage conveyors adjoining assembly lines. Exemplary of such systems is that described in Canadian Pat. No. 786,662 issued June 4, 1968 to Ashworth Brothers, Inc.

While this drum-driven conveyor is capable of readily moving articles through vertical heights without substantial damage to the articles, and is able to provide a long length of endless conveyor in a relatively small space, it does suffer from the disadvantage that a supporting track is required. Since the chain used generally is constructed of metal, this has lead to a high noise level and wear to both the track and the chain. In addition, the necessity for a track leads to construction problems and bulky equipment.

The chain described in Canadian Pat. No. 786,662 does not have a smooth, low friction, load-bearing surindividual link of the chain but such a construction would be costly to manufacture and would'not provide a wholly satisfactory load supporting surface.

In accordance with the present invention, a conveyor is provided including a driving member and a chain consisting of a plurality of links. Each link includes a platform adapted to support a load in cantilever manner.

The chain and links may be of the type described and claimed in copending US. Pat. application No. 28,303 filed Apr. 14, 1970, now US. Pat. No. 3,659,697.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. v1 is a top elevational view of one part of a platform conveyor chain;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of a part of another platform conveyor chain;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view ofa conveyor incorporating the chain of FIG. l, and

FIG. 5 is a detail of FIG. 4.

A chain 10 consists of a plurality of substantially identical links 12 (only three of which are shown) articulated to each other through pivot pins 14. Each individual link 12 includes a platform 16 and an elongated support or body part 18 at one side of the platform; The support part 18 is illustrated projecting wholly above the plane of the platform 16. This represents a preferred embodiment.

The support part 18 may project wholly below the plane of the platform 16 or partly above and partly below the plane.

The support part 18 acts to support the platform 16 in cantilever manner when the chain is in operation as will become apparent hereinafter in the description of FIG. 4. The support part 18 also acts to space from each other the platforms of vertically adjacent links when the chain is formed into a helix as will be more specifically described below with reference to FIG. 5.

The pivot pins 14 articulate the links 12 for pivotal movement about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the platform 16. Other means to achieve such pivotal movement could be provided.

The platform 16 is provided with a particular shape defined by a curved periphery. The curved periphery defines a convex outline 20 at the leading edge of the platform when the chain is in motion and a concave outline 22 at the trailing edge of the platform. The convex and concave outlines are of substantially complimentary shape. The platform 16 is shaped to provide a substantially continuous surface when the chain 10 moves in a rectilinear path and a minimum gap only between platforms of adjacent links when the chain 10 moves in a curvilinear path. The leading and trailing edges may be bevelled to allow articles supported on the surface-of the platform 16 to slide smoothly over the surface.

The shape of the platform 16 is not critical. A rectangular shape could be tolerated under certain circumstances but it is preferred to avoid a gap at the outboard area of adjacent links when the chain is moving in a curvelinear path. A series of projecting fingers and complimentarily shaped indentations could be provided, for example.

The support part 18 is formed with curved sides 24 and 26. Side 24 has upper and lower protrusions or teeth 28 and 30 (see FIG. 2) formed integral therewith adjacent one end of the support part 18, and has similar upper and lower protrusions; only one, 32, of which is shown, formed integral therewith adjacent the other end.

The protrusions 28 and 30 are shaped to cooperate with the nearer pair of the adjacent forward link to form a channel or recess 34 in which may be received a movable member. The movable member may impart motion to the chainor may be moved by the chain if the latter has motion imparted to it. The movable member may be a vertical bar 36. The protrusions at the other end of the link are similarly shaped to cooperate with the nearer pair of the adjacent rearward link to form a similar channel or recess.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 in this embodiment when the chain moves in a rectilinear path, the bar 36 is not engaged by both sets of protrusions, but when the chain moves in a curvilinear path, the bar is gripped by both sets of protrusions. Such a combination of gripping protrusion and movable member constitutes a novel drive.

The shape of the protrusions may be varied from that illustrated. They may be formed so that on assuming the curvilinear path the protrusions surround and enclose the bar. The upper and lower protrusions may be replaced by a single contiguous protrusion extending the height of the support part.

In addition to the construction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a positive drive to the chain may be provided by constructing a driving surface having a plurality of spacedapart protrusions. Such protrusions may be received in recesses formed on the links. Such recesses may be formed in the support portion 18. Alternatively, the cooperating protrusions may be formed on a single link.

The side 26 of the support part 18 is formed with an elongated channel 38 therein. The reason for the presence of this channel will become apparent hereinafter. The support part 18 is illustrated hollowed out to reduce the weight of the chain. Such hollowing-out may be omitted.

Each support part 18 has semicircular ends 40 and 42. The end 40 is formed with a horizontal slot therein to receive a tongue formed at the end of an adjacent link. A pivot pin 14 passes through the end 40 and the tongue to articulate the adjacent links. The end 42 is in the form of a tongue which is received within the horizontal slot of the acjacent link. A pivot pin 14 completes the articulation. While pivot pins have been described to articulate the links, other means are possible.

The tongue and slot usually are so constructed that there is a small degree of slack in the joint, whereby the chain may be readily formed into a helix. Different manners of providing the slack may be used, depending on the manner of formation of the articulation.

Each link 12 may be integrally molded from synthetic polymeric material. Alternatively, the support part 18 and the platform 16 may be separately molded and subsequently formed into one piece structure. It is preferred to use a synthetic polymeric material to form the links, since in this way a desirable combination of lightness and strength is achieved. The particular synthetic polymeric material employed will depend on the intended use of the chain. Nylon and acetal resins such as DELRIN (trade mark) are suitable materials, and other thermoplastic and thermosetting resins may be used.

Turning now to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, this embodiment is similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the same reference numerals have been employed to describe like parts. The difference between these embodiments is the omission of protrusions from the support part 18. The side 24 is concavely curved and contacts a curved driving surface 44 when the chain moves in a curvilinear path. It is preferred both that the side 24 have a continuous surface and that the radii of curvature of the driving surface 44 and of the side 24 be substantially the same so that maximum surface-tosurface contact between the curved driving surface 44 and the side 24 is achieved. The driving surface 44 drives the chain 10 by frictional engagement between the surface 44 and the side 24.

The chain may be driven in a rectilinear or curvilinear path. When the chain moves in the curvilinear path, the links articulate about a substantially vertical axis. This is in contrast to the prior art platform-type conveyors wherein the links articulate about a substantially horizontal axis.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 there is illustrated a conveyor system incorporating the chain of FIG. 1. The conveyor system 49 includes a pair of upright horizontally spaced drums or cylinders 50 and 52, rotatable about vertical axes. The chain 10 is formed into a helix curving downwardly about drum 50, and into a helix curving upwardly about drum 52. Rectilinear portions of the chain 10 join the two helices to form a continuous chain conveyor system. A stationary cam surface (not shown) associated with the drum 50 serves to urge the chain into a downwardly spiralling helix and a stationary cam surface (not shown) associated with the drum 52 serves to urge the chain into an upwardly spiralling helix. Such cam surfaces generally are constructed of low friction material, such as TEF LON" (trade mark), to maintain the friction between these surfaces and the chain at a low level.

As can be more readily seen in FIG. 5, each spiral of chain is sandwiched between the next upper and next lower spiral, except at the run-on and run-off points. The chain is self-supporting throughout its height and no auxiliary support for the platforms of the links is provided. These vertical forces clamp the support part 18 and the platform 16 is cantilevered from the support part 18.

The platform 16 is illustrated perpendicular to both the support portion 18 and to the helices. The platform may be sloped upwardly from the horizontal and outwardly of the support portion. Such a construction aids in retaining objects on the chain.

The support part 18 serves to space apart platforms of adjacent spirals. The vertical height of part 18 is determined by the space required between the platforms, which in turn is determined by the size of the articles conveyed.

Each of drums 50 and 52 is constructed in the form of an open cage with top and bottom members 58 and 60. The top and bottom members 58 and 60 are connected by a series of vertical bars 62 positioned around the periphery of the drum at circumferentially spaced locations. Each of the bars 62 is circular in crosssection and may be constructed of high carbon steel or similar material. The bars 62 are received within the recesses defined by the protrusions on adjacent links (see FIG. 1).

Driving means, such as an electric motor with suit.- able gearing, (not shown), may be provided to drive one or both of the drums 50 and 52. Where only one of the drums is driven, then that drum imparts drive to the chain which in turn drives the other drum. When the drums are in motion, the cooperating protrusions slide up the bars.

In addition to the vertical forces sustaining the helix, tension is provided in the system to maintain the helices in contact with the drums. The support part 18 therefore may be subjected to both vertical and horizontal forces to provide the necessary support for the cantilevered platform.

The rectilinear portions of the chain 10 joining the two helices about the two drums 50 and 52 are supported in channels (not shown). In these channels, the support parts 18 are subjected to vertical forces to provide the necessary support for the cantilevered platform.

The conveyor system illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be modified so as to employ the chain of FIG. 3. The open cage structure drums 50 and 52 are replaced by drums having a continuous surface. Such surface is provided with friction pads or the like to provide frictional engagement between the drums and the chain. The chain is subjected to tension to provide good frictional engagement. Both drums are normally driven in this arrangement so that both surfaces drive the chain.

Conveyors in accordance with the present invention may be of varying construction. Such conveyors may include chain moving in a rectilinear path, a curvilinear path or both, with the load supported on the platforms in cantilever manner.

The conveyors may convey vehicles from one level to another using a singledrum or a plurality of-drums as required, each having a self-supporting helical chain.

The chain 10 need not be in engagement with the drums in the form of self-supporting helices, but may pass around the drums in a series of elongated loops, engaging half of each drum. In addition, the chain 10 may be formed into a single elongated loop.

The apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5 is particularly useful for conveying and accumulating packages of cigarettes. In the packaging of cigarettes, cigarettes are enclosed in a cardboard package in any desired quantity, generally IO, or cigarettes to the package. The package then is passed directly from the packer to'a wrapping stage where it is surrounded by a cellophane wrapper.

Apparatus employed in the wrapping stage generally is found to be somewhat inefficient and requires to be shut down from time to time to make adjustments, generally associated with the feed and the cutting of the cellophane.

When the wrapper is closed down it also is necessary to shut down the packer, otherwise packages of cigarettes will be formed which cannot be passed to the wrapper.

The necessity for shut down of the packer in addition to the wrapper results in a below capacity operation of the packer. In addition, shut down of the packer may result in hardening of the glue used to glue parts of the package together, and to apply regulatory stamp, if required. On restarting the packer, this may lead to the formation of unsatisfactory packages.

By the use of an accumulator intermediate the packer and the wrapper, the former may continue to operate during down-time of the latter. By operating the wrapper at a faster rate than the packer, the wrapper can wrap at least some of the accumulation of packages, which has taken place during one shut down, before the next shut down.

Cigarette packages are fed from 'a packer (not shown) onto the platforms of the chain 10 in the helix around drum 50. The chain 10 and the drums 50 and 52 are in motion. The packages are separated from each other on the chain by a certain distance. This distance is dependent on a number of factors, such as speed of rotation of the drums and rate of formation of cigarette packages.

The cigarette packages are conveyed on the chain 10 down the helix formed about drum 50, along the rectilinear portion joining the run-off point of drum 50 and the run-on point of drum 52 and up the helix formed about drum 52. The packages are discharged from the top of helix formed about drum 52 to a wrapper (not shown). This may be aided by providing a finger which projects from external of the system into channel 38.

During down-time of the wrapper, the lead package is prevented from passing to the wrapper by stop means. The packer and the conveyor 49, which now acts as an accumulator, continue to operate at the same rate. When the next package reaches the point of discharge from the top of the drum 52, it is prevented from so doing by the first package. Thus, as long as the wrapper is shut down and the packer and conveyor 49 continue to operate at the same rate, packages will con tinue to accumulate on the chain 10.

The drums 50 and 52 are surrounded by outer shields in this embodiment (not shown) located to prevent packages from becoming dislodged from the platforms during such accumulations. Such outer shields also may be necessary to prevent dislodgement of the packagees due to centrifugal forces, if the chain is driven at a sufficiently high speed and the conveyor is not acting as an accumulator. Such shields may be removed and upwardly projecting flanges formed on the outer edges of the platforms may be provided to achieve the same effect. In addition, the platforms may be formed projecting upwardly from the horizontal and outwardly of the support portions. In this manner packages are urged inwardly.

Alternatively, the shields may be retained and the platforms formed projecting downwardly from the horizontal and outwardly of the support portions. In this way, an opening in the shields may be used to enable packages to be removed from the surface of the platforms.

When the wrapper starts running again, the accumulation of packages passes to the wrapper. Since the wrapper is run at a rate of wrapping which is faster than the rate of packaging, then the accumulation of packages is at least partially cleared before it is again necessary to shut down the wrapper.

The links of the chain 10 for this use should be constructed of material such that the cigarette packages may slide on the platforms when the wrapper is closed down and the chain continues to move passing underneath the stopped packages, but non-slipping enough 7 v so that packages while normallysupported on the cantilevered platforms will not slip while the chain rises and falls through the helices.

The dimensions of the conveyor/accumulator 49, the rate of feed of packages and the linear speed of the chain 10 are calculated so that all the packages which may be accumulated during a shut down of wrapper of average duration can be accommodated. Only under exceptional circumstances will it become necessary to close down the whole packaging operation.

The leading and trailing edges of the platforms may be bevelled to aid in the smooth passage of the platforms below the stopped packages.

Modifications .are possible within the scope of the present invention.

We claim:

1. A conveyor comprising a driving member in the form of a cylinder having a continuous external surface and a substantially vertical axis of rotation, and a conveyor chain having at least part of the length thereofin engagement with said driving member, said conveyor chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links, each of said links including a platform cantilevered from a single support portion at one side thereof, said support portion being provided with an inner curved surface having a radius of curvature substantially identical to that of said cylinder, said curved surface being in frictional engagement with said. external surface of said cylinder, atleast part of the length of said chain being arranged about said driving member in a helix,;each of said support portions of vertically adjacentlinks of said chain in said helix abutting each other, whereby said chain is self-supporting throughout the height of said helix. i

2. The conveyor of claim 1 wherein said platform extends substantially perpendicularly to theaxis of rotation of said driving member. 1

3. A conveyor'comprising'a driving member in the form of a cage having a substantially vertical axis of rotation and including a plurality of bars parallel to said vertical axis, and a conveyor chain including, means to engage said bars and having at. least partof the length thereof in engagement with said driving member, said conveyor chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links, each of said links including a platform cantilevered from a single support portion at one side thereof, said support portion engaging said driving member, said at least part of the length of said chain being arranged about said driving member in a helix, each of said support portions of vertically adjacent links of said chain in said helix abutting each other, whereby said chain is self-supporting throughout the height of said helix, saidmeans to engage said bars is provided by protrusions on adjacent links, said protrusions cooperating to provide a recess within which to receive one of said bars.

4.'The conveyor of claim 3 wherein said protrusions are constructed to grip said bar when'said chain moves in a curved path about said driving member and to release said bar when said chain moves into a rectilinear path.

5. The conveyor of claim 3 wherein said platform ex- 8 tends substantially perpendicularly to the axisof rotation of said driving member.

6. The conveyor of claim 3 wherein said support portion is of shallow depth and extends substantially coextensive with said one side of said platform said support portion, said platform oneof unitary construction and said links'each are constructed of synthetic polymeric material.

7. The conveyor of claim 3 wherein said supportportion extends substantially the length of said one side of said platform and is substantially perpendicular to the plane of said platform.

8. A conveyor comprising two horizontally spaced driving members, each of said driving members comprising a cylinder having a continuous external surface and having a substantially vertical axis of rotation, and an endless conveyor chain arranged in engagement with said driving members, said conveyor chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links, each of. said links including a platform cantilevered from a single support.

portion at one side thereof, said support portion being provided with an inner curved surface having .a radius of curvature substantially identical tothat of said cylinders, said curved surface being in frictional engagement with said external surface of said cylinders, said chain being arranged about each of said driving members in ahelix, each of the support portions of verticallyadjacen't links in the helices abutting each other whereby said chaininself-supporting throughout the height of each helix, said chain including substantially rectilinear portions joining said helices.

9.'The conveyor of claim 8 including means to drive each of said driving members: 10. A conveyor comprising two horizontally spaced driving members each in the form of a cage and having 'a substantially vertical axis of rotation, each of said cages including a pluralityv of bars parallel to said vertical axis, and an endless conveyor chain including means to engage said bars and arranged in engagement with said driving members, said conveyor chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links, each of said links including a platform cantilevered from a single support portion at one side thereof, said chain being arranged about'each of said driving members in a helix, each of the support portions of vertically adjacent links in the helices abutting each other whereby said chain is self- 3 supporting throughout the height of each helix, said chain including substantially rectilinear portions joining said helices, said means to engage said bars are provided by protrusions on adjacent links, said protrusions cooperating to provide a recess within which to receive one of said'bars. 

1. A conveyor comprising a driving member in the form of a cylinder having a continuous external surface and a substantially vertical axis of rotation, and a conveyor chain having at least part of the length thereof in engagement with said driving member, said conveyor chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links, each of said links including a platform cantilevered from a single support portion at one side thereof, said support portion being provided with an inner curved surface having a radius of curvature substantially identical to that of said cylinder, said curved surface being in frictional engagement with said external surface of said cylinder, at least part of the length of said chain being arranged about said driving member in a helix, each of said support portions of vertically adjacent links of said chain in said helix abutting each other, whereby said chain is self-supporting throughout the height of said helix.
 2. The conveyor of claim 1 wherein said platform extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of said driving member.
 3. A conveyor comprising a driving member in the form of a cage having a substantially vertical axis of rotation and including a plurality of bars parallel to said vertical axis, and a conveyor chain including means to engage said bars and having at least part of the length thereof in engagement with said driving member, said conveyor chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links, each of said links including a platform cantilevered from a single support portion at one side thereof, said support portion engaging said driving member, said at least part of the length of said chain being arranged about said driving member in a helix, each of said support portions of vertically adjacent links of said chain in said helix abutting each other, whereby said chain is self-supporting throughout the height of said helix, said means to engage said bars is provided by protrusions on adjacent links, said protrusions cooperating to provide a recess within which to receive one of said bars.
 4. The conveyor of claim 3 wherein said protrusions are constructed to grip said bar when said chain moves in a curved path about said driving member and to release said bar when said chain moves into a rectilinear path.
 5. The conveyor of claim 3 wherein said platform extends substantially perpendicularly to the Axis of rotation of said driving member.
 6. The conveyor of claim 3 wherein said support portion is of shallow depth and extends substantially coextensive with said one side of said platform said support portion, said platform one of unitary construction and said links each are constructed of synthetic polymeric material.
 7. The conveyor of claim 3 wherein said support portion extends substantially the length of said one side of said platform and is substantially perpendicular to the plane of said platform.
 8. A conveyor comprising two horizontally spaced driving members, each of said driving members comprising a cylinder having a continuous external surface and having a substantially vertical axis of rotation, and an endless conveyor chain arranged in engagement with said driving members, said conveyor chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links, each of said links including a platform cantilevered from a single support portion at one side thereof, said support portion being provided with an inner curved surface having a radius of curvature substantially identical to that of said cylinders, said curved surface being in frictional engagement with said external surface of said cylinders, said chain being arranged about each of said driving members in a helix, each of the support portions of vertically adjacent links in the helices abutting each other whereby said chain in self-supporting throughout the height of each helix, said chain including substantially rectilinear portions joining said helices.
 9. The conveyor of claim 8 including means to drive each of said driving members.
 10. A conveyor comprising two horizontally spaced driving members each in the form of a cage and having a substantially vertical axis of rotation, each of said cages including a plurality of bars parallel to said vertical axis, and an endless conveyor chain including means to engage said bars and arranged in engagement with said driving members, said conveyor chain consisting of a plurality of articulated links, each of said links including a platform cantilevered from a single support portion at one side thereof, said chain being arranged about each of said driving members in a helix, each of the support portions of vertically adjacent links in the helices abutting each other whereby said chain is self-supporting throughout the height of each helix, said chain including substantially rectilinear portions joining said helices, said means to engage said bars are provided by protrusions on adjacent links, said protrusions cooperating to provide a recess within which to receive one of said bars.
 11. A conveyor of claim 10 wherein said protrusions are constructed to grip said bar when said chain moves through said helices and to release said bar when said chain moves into said rectilinear path.
 12. The conveyor of claim 10 including means to drive one of said driving members, whereby one of said driving members drives said chain and the other of said driving member is driven by said chain. 